FINN-POWER and its Oceanian distributor Maxitec say upgrading metal fabrication and handling systems to automation could help whitegoods manufacturers survive in a tough market.
The companies claim the whitegoods manufacturing sector would be more vibrant today if businesses had adopted more forward-thinking strategies.
The slow handling or multiple handling in the Australian industry further contributed to the losses sustained by the companies.
FINN-POWER cited the example of US-based England’s Stove Works, which kept up with demand for its products by investing in new fabrication machinery and technology.
In 1998, the company decided to upgrades its punching and bending operations, and chose the F5 Express which provides loading, punching and unloading of heavy gauge steel sheets.
In 2005, the business added a C5 Compact Express machine, allowing unmanned operation of the turret punch press through a compact load/unload automation.
The 20-station, 33t C5 hydraulic turret punch press has a large sheet capacity with the option of controls from either Siemens or Fanuc. The Multi-Tool holders also allowed for tooling flexibility.
The machine’s full tonnage indexable upforming feature allows quick and complex forming operations via a single forming tool. This provides a precise process for knock-outs, louvers and other forming.
To keep up with demand for its white goods, the manufacturer runs both machines 24/7 from April through December, allowing it to compete with larger companies.
Looking forward, the company hopes to eliminate its outsourcing operations, which currently account for nearly 50% of its fabrication. It claims to be looking at either the Laser Punch or Shear Genius with automation to help it reach the next level.
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